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Since I got burned on a $2K 1911, and I'm throwing money at it trying to make it work, I was thinking about going the other direction and adding another entry-level (sub-$800) 1911 to the fold.

Found a STI G.I. for $700, and a SA Mil Spec for $615. Both new, appear to be very similar (except for the arched MSH on the Mil-Spec). I'm familiar with Springfield's stuff, but have never handled/shot anything by STI...however, I've read good things about their pistols. I was hoping to get a recommendation from the someone who is familiar with both.

Having handled a lot of STI and SA guns in the past, and still currently own both brands... I'd be all over the STI. (even though you should be very safe with either)

I've handled and shot SA mil-specs and they are usually well built. I've never handled the STI GI model but the "lowest" model STI has made in many years, is on par with SA's best. Mine and the other examples [STI] I have shot are notably smoother and refined feeling. Not to mention, they have all been tight shooters!

If you opt for the SA, please PM me the loation where I might buy the STI.

The only observation I'll make is Springfield still lists the Mil-Spec in their line-up while STI no longer lists the GI model, which was only offered for a couple of years about five to 10 years years ago. In addition, STI doesn't even catalog any single stack models anymore.

I have a well used STI spartan, no longer made and good knows how many rounds through it, bought it used. New it was a 700$ or so gun. I use it for single stack contests as it is utterly reliable, accurate and with one of the nicest trigger I have shot. I owned a SA milspec about 10 years ago and it was a fine pistol but not on par with the STI. The STI holds its own with the wilsons and such as a contest pistol.

The frames and slide are made by Armscor but parts and final build are STI.

I'm not sure that's true, if you're talking about the GI, referenced by the OP, though the Spartan was. I intended to comment the same, but did some research (including posts on this forum and from the STI rep) that indicated the GI was a US made gun. Admittedly, that did surprise me.

The frames and slide are made by Armscor but parts and final build are STI.

I'm looking at a pic of a STI G.I., and unless Armscor is making a frame specific to STI and different from what they usually produce, or they've changed to a more-1911 looking frame across the board, the G.I. frame isn't Armscor.

I'd go Mil-Spec just for the sights (and the forged frame and slide).

__________________
If you're not shooting you should be moving. If you're not moving you should be reloading. If you're not shooting, moving, or reloading, you should be taping or picking brass. - Z.C.

Spoke with Customer Support at STI last week, and they confirmed that the G.I. model was 100% American made...so I decided to bid on it and I won. Ended up paying $750, but I think it was a good buy since they're kinda rare and no longer made.

This will be my first (true) government model, and I'm hoping I wont have to send it off to a smith for beaver tail and hammer. I've heard the old school models are not real comfortable to shoot and tend to bite, HARD...especially for those of us that grip high. But if I do, I will seek recommendations from you guys on parts.

I shot a pistol with G.I. hammer and grip safety in practical competition for three years, as high a grip as possible, and never had much trouble with bite, though there was that one time I literally had the gun dangling from the web of my hand . . .
I've come to prefer the M1911 grip safety and short hammer combination of the original M1911.
Like a lot of people, I have a hard time depressing the grip safety, and cutting off a static part of the frame to install a long beavertail just makes it worse.

__________________
If you're not shooting you should be moving. If you're not moving you should be reloading. If you're not shooting, moving, or reloading, you should be taping or picking brass. - Z.C.

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